HAPPY EASTER

Dear Friends,

Good Morning!


Spring is in the air and with it comes Easter Sunday!HAPPY EASTER TO ONE AND ALL!
Easter marks the end of forty days of lenten sacrifice.It is the best Sunday for the christians as it is a celebration of new life.Easter,the feast of the resurrection of Jesus gives mankind confident hope for the future.The bottom line is the promise it holds that all humans will be raised from death and will live an eternal life.Jesu's resurrection is seen as the vindication of all that eh saidand the ultimate sign of victory over sin and death.It is the victory of truth.In the end,Jesu's resurrection not only reiterates the Good News he proclaimed but establishes that he himself was the Good News.

Christians make elaborate preparations to celebrate Easter which is the oldest of all Christian festivals.The festival marks the transition from night to day and from death to life.It symbolises new beginnings and joy of the harvest season.
On Good Friday,Jesus Christ was executed by crucifixion.His body was removed from the cross and buried in acave near Mount Cavalry,just outside Jeruselam.On Sunday morning,the tomb was found empty neither the enemies nor the friends of Jesus could find his body.Resurrection became a reality when became a reality when Jesus was sighted in several public places at different times,with his living body for people to s ee and touch.People therefore accepted,Jesus as the true Son of God and believed in His Resurrection.


Ushered in after the forty day austere and penitential season of Lent,the festival marked with midnight church service followed by solemn Eucharistic celebrations.Pascal commemoration in many parishes is marked with candle light processions and baptism of new born children.The devotees are seen busy thronging local markets for purchasing sweets and other goods for the prayers.
Since the resurrection of Jesus about 2000 years ago,Easter continues to bring hope to humanity and even today to our broken world that is continuously threatened by vilolence,inequality,injustice,terrorism and instability.The hope of eternal life as promised byEaster exposesall theories of fear,evil,destruction and death.
Easter brings joy and areason to celebrate.Easter gives areason to live,a reason to repent and to transform.Easter gives a reason to believe in common brotherhood,common humanity and in one God.
There is no greater truth than the Resurrection of Christ which continues to inspire and enlighten.And to the one who discovers the truth,as Jesus himself would say,,''The truth will set you free''.

Our days are cramped with our own needs and ambitions.there is neither the time or nor the inclination to look beyond our selfish restraints.Who wants to see the pain and feel for the downtrodden?

Easter marks the end of the period of lent,and the fast is broken on this day.Before breaking the fast,Christians go to the church for the Holy Communion.After this,they greet each other,wishing each other,Happy Easter.The evening is set aside for get-togethers of family and friends and dinner is a large elaborate feast.The gifting of the chocolate crusted Easter Egg to children at home is a ritual that is widely followed.








There are several symbols associated with Christian Easter Sunday such as eggs,rabbits,chicks,lilies,sunrise service and new outfits.It is believed that Easter Eggs represent the beginning of life while rabbits and chicks represent the rebirth of Jesus Christ.Besides,Easter Lily[the white lily] is asymbol of the Resurrection Of Jesus Christ.The Easter Bunny has its origin in the pre Christian fertility lore.The hare and the rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the spring season.The first edible Easter Bunnies were made in GERMANY DURING THE EARLY 1800Ss of pastryand sugar.''The best portion of man's life is his little,nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love''.

William Shakespeare
When charity becomes the yardstick that rules our lives,we will becomeless egocentric and more giving,we will be able totake time out,to talk to each other,to lend the lonely a ear,the needy a hand,we will be able to give from our hoarding and not merely give as a perfunctory gesture and in doing so,we will realise the power in acompliment,the magic of a smile and the profound joy giving brings.
Our time on earth is just a blink of an eye,but the consequences of it will last forever........So,let us give and live.
Wishing you once again,a wonderful and prosperous Easter,

It's Anu signing off......................

During this Easter season,let us all join together and ask the Risen Lord to bring joy and Peace to our lives!May the Risen Lord encourage us to speak boldly against injustice,corruption and destruction of man and nature.
Wishing you hope for future and a beautiful day ahead,
Reminding you,Anu loves you dil se,
     Sasneham,
              Anu

KAN NIRAYE UNNIKANNAN........

15th,April 2011

Friday

Dear Friends,
                        Wishing All Of You AnAuspicious And Prosperous Vishu kani-Ponkani!




kani kanum neram kamala nethrente..................,''kalabham tharam, bhagavanente manassum tharam...........''..Vishu is today. Vishu falls on medam first.On this day,the sun is moving to MASHA RAASHI.Any celebration arouses the terrific feeling of missing our dear ones,our hometown,the traditions and rituals in the minds of a pravasi.



The main attraction of vishu is Vishukani.

The decorated idol of KANNAN wearing gold chain alongwith kani vellarikka,konna poovu,chakka,manga,the half coconuts with diyas lit,silver coins,valkannadi,the grantham,unakkallari,ashta mangalya set and the lighted lamps...................what more can we ask than this amazing sight in the early hours of the new year?The whole forthcoming year will be wonderful and prosperous!

Now, we keep all fruits in the brass uruli, available in the market like apples,pine apple,orange and grapes.but the main attraction is KANNANUNNI.We decorate Krishnan with palakka mala or pavan mala.We never become satisfied till the last decoration is done.

The previous night amma keeps the Vishu Kani.The most memorable vishu kani was the one prepared by my little star in my tharavadu.She had taken pains to make the decorations beautiful with small kasavu mundu spread as the background .Krishna was garlanded with fresh mullapoov mala. We have taken the photographs. Early in the morning amma wakes us and bring us to the pooja room,with our eyes closed.With little water kept in the small brass kindi,we wash our eyes and see the most beautiful sight of smiling krishna in the light of ezhu thiriyitta vilakku and the fruits and silver coins.

My little star and maza want to carry the traditions on....................

In our ancestoral tharavadu,the kani was shown to the cows and the oxen in the sheds.we had two big sheds with so many cows and oxen.

We,the children were eager to light the crackers,lathiri and poothiri.i love meshappovu.i like to see it going up.In my Achan's house we used to light the malapadakkam.Thala chakram is also very exciting.It goes round and round and we used to run after lighting it.






After having a bath in tharavattu kulam we wear the new dresses.After the prayers,we were eager to get our vishukkai neetam.Then we go to Guruvayoor temple to have the darshan of Unnikannan.So many devotees sleep in the temple blindfolded to have the ponkani of Kannanunni.e believe,the forthcoming year will be auspicious and prosperous by the darshan of KANNAN.

The natural gifts are,konna poov,vellarikka,chakka,manga,coconuts and other numerous fruits.the day and night are of the same length on this day.it's the spring time.all are ready to welcome the changes in nature.it's the season to celebrate.i remember our kizhakke padam completely filled with vellarikka.the swarna vellarikkas are later tied to the kazhukkol of the roof.they remain fresh for many months.

 

Temple priest-Thirumeni- prepares the tasty palpayasam.it's really special.

Non keralites enjoy our meal.but Vishu is a family get together following the traditions and rituals.We invite our local guests for Onam.

A grand sadya awaits us at noon.Mampuzha kootan,mangakkari and chakka erisssery are a must. A nalu kari sadya is so delicious served on plantain leaves.

My little star and maza want to carry the traditions on....................






In our ancestoral tharavadu,the kani was shown to the cows and the oxen in the sheds.we had two big sheds with so many cows and oxen.






We,the children were eager to light the crackers,lathiri and poothiri.i love meshappovu.i like to see it going up.in achan's house we used to light the malapadakkam.Thala chakram is also very exciting.It goes round and round and we used to run after lighting it.
After having a bath in tharavattu kulam[the tank] we wear the new dresses.After the prayers,we were eager to get our vishukkai neetam.Then we go to Guruvayoor temple to have the darshan of Unnikannan.So many devotees sleep in the temple blindfolded to have the ponkani of kannanunni.we believe,the forthcoming year will be auspicious and prosperous by the darshan of KANNAN.
This time the Vishu Kani at Shree Guruvayoor Temple is in between 2.30a.m-3.30a.m.


The natural gifts are,konna poov,vellarikka,chakka,manga,coconuts and other numerous fruits.the day and night are of the same length on this day.It's the spring time.All are ready to welcome the changes in nature.It's the season to celebrate.I remember our kizhakke padam completely filled with vellarikka.The swarna vellarikkas are later tied to the kazhukkol of the roof.They remain fresh for many months.

Thirumeni prepares the tasty palpayasam.It's really special.

Non keralites enjoy our meal.but vishu is a family get together following the traditions and rituals.we invite our local guests for Onam.
Thirumeni gives one rupee silver coin to the devotees.
For the first time,the konna maram is bloomed at AYYAPPA TEMPLE.We could keep a few flowers for vishu kani this time.
Vishu vela is popular in THANIKKUDAM DEVI TEMPLE.Kuthira kali,kala kettu and vela bring the joyous atmosphere.


I miss the temples in Kerala where we have an aal thara,ambalakulam,aana and the village cool breeze.That's a total different experience.I want to be there in my village with amma and my family.Otherwise any celebration is incomplete.I got the vishukkai neetam from Amma and I gave kaineettam to Madhav and family[younger brother].

At Sabarimala and Guruvayoor,preparations are over for vishukani.There will be too much rush of devotees.at guruvayoor,kanidarshanam is from 2.30a.m-3.30a.m while at sabarimala it's from 4a.m-7a.m.vishu vilakku is lit in pure ghee at Guruvayoor tomorrow.The gold thidambu of Kannanunniwill be placed in the mukha mandapam and the ponkani will be kept in the brass uruli.

Children eagerly wait for vishu as this is the time to collect maximum pocket money in the form of vishukkai neetam.

The spirit of life is lifted due to the celebrations and get togethers.Vishu adds colours to our attitudes,hopes and aspirations.
Tamalians,bengalis,Assamese also celebrate their new year as Chitra Kani,Ugadi and Bihu!

On this auspicious day,I extent my warm heart felt vishu aashmsakal to all of you!


Can you hear the vishupakshi singing,




''vithum kaikottum,''

''chakkakkuppundo'',achan kombathu,amma varambathu''.


Vishu is the beginning of new life;farmers start their ploughing and sowing in the fields.


We travel into the world of light and prosperity!


It's anu signing off....................


I feel like singing,


''amma mazha karinu kan niranju........................''pick up the phone and dial your dear ones' number and share the joy of the day.We need their blessings and good will.Nothing else can replace that bond.


Oru pidi konnappokalude ithalukal ningalkku sammanichu kondu,
[Gifting You The Petals Of The Beautiful And Auspicious Bright Yellow Konna Flowers........]



SAMBAL SAMRIDHIYUDE ORU PON VISHU ELLAVARKUM !


                     WISHING ALL OF YOU A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS VISHU ONCE AGAIN....


Anu loves you dil se..................
                                                           Sasneham,
                                                                            Anu

►

IT MAKES A SEA CHANGE

11.4.2011
Monday
Dear Friends,
                    A Pleasant And Cheerful Morning!
The morning hours are so refreshing.......new blooms on plants...birds are chirping..cuckoo is singing..So pleasant the moments are filling my heart with love and cheer.Let the week be energetic and wonderful to each one of you!We are blessed to live in an amazing world of love.
   Many a time some of us keep the true feelings to ourselves.We don't express.We don't open up.It is not right.We can provide comfort and confidence to others by letting them know how much they mean to us!How more beautiful our lives have turned out to be just because of their presence in our lives.
But for many, ego won't permit to let the words out.Please try to change that nature,my friends.Life is short...unplredictable.Time won't wait for us to say the loving words louder.A post based on this thought....
It matters a lot to know someone loves us
Someone loves us so dearly.......\
Beyond the world of imagination.......
He will never open his mouth to say that
But he believes the unsaid words are more beautiful,
The unproclaimed feelings are stronger.

It sounds strange but people are different
The ways of expressions are not the same!
She knows he loves her,so sincerely
His actions speak volumes
But he will never say it by words.......
 She feels,one  must express the true feelings.....
And makes the soul mate really overwhelmed.
He lives across the continet,miles apart....
His love is boundless and selfless
She is touched by his kindness and compassion..
The power of friendship heals the wounds....
That strong is their friendship....
No matter what the situation is....
She wants him to say it loudly..
He tells her,it's not yet the right time.
She is trying to tell him life is too short
To wake up with regrets.....

He is trying to convey,

Everything has a proper time.

What do you say my friends?


Frineds,
 Be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon you!Reach out to people...You will have surprises in galore!Generosity is contageous.Let the smiles and blessings flow.Good people makes a difference!And I know you are too good!

Our paths may never cross again.Still it is ok.But promise me,during this wonderful month of VISHU and Easter,you will bring a broad smile on so many faces.

PLEASE DO HELP SOMEONE TO WEAVE A LIFE BEAUTIFULLY,CAREFULLY AND KINDLY.
Someone somewhere looks for affection...Let them know how much they mean to you..
Anu loves you dil se...................
For you,who keeps the words in the depth of your heart,
Here's a beautiful lovely red rose drenched in dewdrops,
And now holding it close to your heart,
Say it,yaar.....................:)

Wishing you a lovely week of surpsrises and kindness,

It's Anu signing off.....................
             Sasneham,
                           Anu

EXCUSE ME,PLEASE.....................

6th April,2011
    Wednesday
Dear Friends,
                       A very pleasant and lovely evening....Most of the districts of Kerala received summer showers.Here the sky is cloudy.I am eagely waiting for the cool drizzles..the fresh breeze is blowing ....will the black clouds bring some raindrops?
''Happiness shared is happiness doubled.''I have a happy news to share with you..
SINCERELY YOURS IS SPOTTED BY INDIAN TOP BLOGS.
you can check the comment in the previous post.:)
The selection is purely based on quality and general review report.May I take this opportunity to thank one and all .......I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my friends,readers and well wishers.Your comments,suggestions and remarks are really inspiring and encouraging.Your visit at Sincerely Yours motivate me a lot to write more and more.I strongly believe in prayers and blessings..Thank You God for these moments of delight...Thank You My Beloved Amma and Achan for making me believe,''Anu,you can!''And I could!:)
By now you will be knowing at my space posts are mostly very emotional and straight from the heart.When I realised friends are too busy or when I started missing freinds so dear,I felt like writing this post.............Today with the fast pace of life,we fail to realise what we miss...

                      Life is too hectic and pressure is more

                     Round the clock some people work,
                      Tell me yaar,what is happening?
                         Is this the life we dreamt so far?
                        You are forgetting to breathe the fresh air,
                          Ignoring the beautiful buds and blooms,
                          Becoming deaf to the chirping of birds,
                          Deaf to the song your heart sings........
                          Where are you hurrying in great speed?
                          Why are you not relishing a good read?
                        When did you last congratulate someone for ''a job well done?''
                          Being so careless and talking on mobile...
                              Hey,you don't have a personal,social or family life....
                           Job should not be more important than health and family!
                               Then why do you practically live in office?
                                   You are getting enough salary and perks,
                                  Still you are never satisfied in life!

                                     I know times are different now
                                      Still,please do stop by....
                                      But, my dear friends,please make time
                                       To be with your dear and near friends...
                           Leaving you more space fr the things that really matter...........
                                      Adding colour and fragrance to the relations,
                          Please spend few minutes with your beloved parents
                                          Make them feel comfortable holding their hands
                                              And hugging them..it does wonders!
                                                  Keep connected friends;we are alive!
                                                  Tell me,is it just enough to be alive?
                                                         Or do you want to live a worthy life?   
                                                       Let us live a full and rich life,
                                               Loving and caring for each other!                              
                                                 Find the balance in life ....
                          I just want you to realise the value of this moment,
                           This very beautiful moment infront of us!
                            You are brilliant,gorgeous and talented
                            Then why can't you be the light for others?
                              Wishing you a lovely and peaceful night,

                                   Reminding Anu loves you dil se,
                   It's Anu signing off....................
                                                           Shubha Rathri!
                     Sasneham,
                                        Anu